High heart rate — common.
Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute. According to doctors, many types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can cause it. For example, heart rate rises during exercise or in response to stress. As a rule, tachycardia does not cause any symptoms or complications. Only certain types of conditions can lead to serious problems if left untreated.
In general, tachycardia has several signs:
- feeling of a rapid heartbeat or a strong pounding in the chest;
- chest pain;
- dizziness;
- shortness of breath;
- rapid pulse.
Some people with tachycardia don't have any symptoms and are only diagnosed with a physical exam or a heart exam for another reason.
When to see a doctor
Doctors recommend that you immediately go to the hospital if you have weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness or chest discomfort. For example, a type of tachycardia called ventricular fibrillation can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure. The collapse can occur within seconds, causing the pulse to stop.